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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1933. Volume 4. Number 1.

Again the Common Room Committee

Again the Common Room Committee.

Dear "Smad,"—

A look of surprise dawns over every student's face as he enters the Men's Common Room for the first time this term. To most the array of new furniture which greets their eyes is as "a gift from the gods," but to the cognescenti the matter assumes a different aspect. After much enquiring and questioning it has been ascertained that there is at 'Varsity a body that is operating without the knowledge of a lot of students and several are hinting that the Exec, should take immediate steps to put a stop to the body and seek some explanation from them justifying their existence in the College.

One of the persons who is under the notice of the writer may be seen wandering around the College with a tile under his arm and a frown large enough for a Cabinet Minister. It has been gleaned from a reliable source of information that several students have been approached by certain of these mysterious people and. above all, asked for a donation. It was just a stroke of luck that, as I entered the College one evening, that I should see a student accosted by one of these mystery men. I waited, and then came my chance. A paper was produced; the usual signing on the dotted line; and then a cheery farewell. I immediately approached the victim and politely enquired: what the business of the trouble-worn canvasser might be. I was then informed that he was a member of the Men's Common Room Committee.

Now, Sir, what exactly is this body and their aims in the College? When were they elected? By whom were they elected? For what reason were they elected, and what means were used to select this so-called committee ?

To my mind they are nothing but a lot of students trying to create an impression and force themselves into the realm of the worried business man of our city I approached the Secretary, as he terms himself, and in the course of a conversation I managed to secure a few facts about this body in question. It appears that they were self-appointed, and that they have taken it upon themselves to olve the quetion of comfort for the male students. They have even gone so far as to approach the Students' Association for a grant to furnish the room. They hold meetings practically every night at various hours to deal, presumably, with problems far too weighty to be passed over in the short space of an evening. Now. Sir, you will agree with me that this is just a lot of "bunk," pure formalism, and utter rot.

Could not the Students' Association have dealt with this matter quite well by approaching the College authorities? Instead of that there is the body, with a Secretary (and I hope a Treasurer), holding meetings, and spending money. When it is all taken into consideration it all boils down to the fact that the Secretary is carried away with his position and just holds the meetings, writes up the minutes, and puffs

You may not have a million, but come to St. James 31st. March.

Students' Theatre Evening—"If I Had A Million."

page 8

himself up and says to his friends that it is impossible for one to realise the amount of work in the College administration until one has held some position of that kind.

I do not in any way wish to derogate from the ultimate value of their work, but I do think that the Secretary should, per medium of your columns, give some explanation as to the constitution and the personnel of this body.

I am, etc.,

The Critic.

(This letter has been shown to members of the Men's Common Room Committee, who state that on account of its "glaring inaccuracies" it has not been deemed worthy of a reply.— Ed.)